Time to get on with emergency services reform NOW, says MP

Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies is calling on NHS managers serving Mid Wales and Shropshire to “get on” with reforming the area’s emergency services.

Mr Davies, who has recently been re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Montgomeryshire, has been engaged in debate about NHS reform in Shropshire for 20 years. He is now calling on for decision makers to target a start of building works on site at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital before the end of 2017.

"Over the last few years, discussions regarding NHS reform in Shropshire have been more difficult than nailing blancmange to the wall. The interests of patients has not been put first,” he said.

"We all know that the NHS 'Emergency Services' in Shropshire, which also serves Mid Wales is in desperate need of reform. Several years ago the two bodies responsible for reform decisions, The Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Groups (the CCGs) set up a body called Future Fit to research and recommend the best way forward.

“In 2016. After several years and several million pounds, it recommended that a new 'Emergency Centre' be built at the Royal Shrewsbury alongside what would, in effect, be A&E services at Shrewsbury and the Princess Royal at Telford.

“Partisan politics has frustrated this proposal, and it is utterly disgraceful that partisan politics has been put before patients. It must stop.

"I accept it's not easy to move forward, while there are individuals trying to frustrate progress. We know there still have to be at least two 'reviews', a public consultation, agreement by the CCGs and agreement from the UK Government to invest the £200 million needed to fund the project.

“I've written to the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust asking that a target date be set for every stage left in the process. We should aim for a final decision before end of 2017.

"I also accept it is best if decisions on NHS Reform are taken locally. But when my constituent’s lives are being compromised, and put at risk, it becomes absolutely vital to reach a decision, removing whatever obstacles which put petty partisan politics before service to the public.

“It's time to get on with reform of the 'emergency services' that serve Shropshire and Mid Wales - and get on with it now."